The Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling Solo

Selfishly, I missed having someone to watch my stuff and keep an eye out when I wanted to go in the ocean. I had to pack everything up in a dry sack and take it with me.

— Erin Burke, @time_of_mime_life

Photo by Craig Whitehead on Unsplash

You’ll Need to Stay Alert

Always be aware of your surroundings and you’ll learn to be confident in solo travel!

— Hayley Hosea, @halesyah

Photo by Matthew Kane on Unsplash

You Might Get Sad

(But It Won’t Last Forever!)

Sometimes you might start to wish you had someone to share the incredible and irreplaceable memories with.

— Hayley Hosea, @halesyah

Photo by Andrew Le on Unsplash

You’ll Thank Yourself for Planning Ahead

If I could do one thing differently on my next solo trip, I’d plan better.

— Jen Morilla, @thesocialgirltraveler

Definitely do some research before you go, especially if it is your first solo trip. Find group activities to do so you don’t get lonely. I did a pubcrawl, a jet ski tour, and scuba dive on my trip to Key West and I had a blast with those on each!

— Megan Roberts, @mega_RN

Photo by Lonely Planet on Unsplash

You May Need to Negotiate

There are sometimes extra charges if you want to do something solo. I was able to avoid or negotiate away many of these surcharges, but it’s definitely something I’m more aware of now and will keep a keener eye out to avoid in the future.

— Erin Burke, @time_of_mime_life

Photo by David Straight on Unsplash

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

Pack yourself some snacks. When you’re spending time with yourself, you lose track of time. I forgot it was lunch time and was STARVING haha. And pack water!

— Jennifer Tran, @jenmtran

Photo by Priscilla du Preez on Unsplash

Solo Travel Knows no Age Limits

I started traveling solo at 20.

— Jen Morilla, @thesocialgirltravels

I traveled on my own throughout my 20s and 30s. 

— Erin, @londonerin8

I took my first solo trips when I was 30 and 31.

— Erin Burke, @time_of_mime_life

Photo by elCarito on Unsplash

Extroverts Need Time Alone Too

As an extrovert, it is still very important to remove yourself from constant interaction with others to hear yourself think. I value time to reflect. If you don’t enjoy being alone with yourself, how will others enjoy being around you?

— Hayley Hosea, @halesyah

Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash

You Might Get Some Weird Looks

(And that’s OK!)

Enjoy every moment. People are going to stare at your because you’re alone, but remember you are doing this for you. Forget the judgement and do you. Make the most of it!

— Jennifer Tran, @jenmtran

It’s humorous how surprised people are when you are adventurous enough to do an activity by yourself. Don’t let others hold you back from going and doing something that’s always been on your bucket list, just go!

— Hayley Hosea, @halesyah

Photo by Key Notez from Pexels

Being Alone is Not a Weakness

Being alone is actually empowering and freeing. You’ll talk and learn from people you probably never would have talked to if your friend or family was with you - so take advantage and meet all the interesting and knowledgeable travelers around you!